Ladies who lunch: the police chief and the former ethical watchdog

Sue Akers, Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police, has been
seen lunching with Elizabeth Filkin, the author of a report that criticised
hospitality received by police officers from journalists.

Ms Akers, who is leading Operation Weeting into illegal newsgathering by journalists, reportedly met with Mrs Filkin, former Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, at an exclusive private club in London.

The two women, who have been prominent players in the phone hacking scandal, shared a table at the Athenaeum, according to the Times.

Earlier this year, Mrs Filkin recommended police officers did not accept drinks from journalists because it "loosens tongues".

In her report, she criticised the "hugely inconsistent approach" to gifts and hospitality.

However, Mrs Filkin, 71, who received £1,500 a day to write the report, paid for lunch for herself and Ms Akers at the restaurant, where the menu includes £28 pan fried halibut and beef and ale pie for £32.